The Tool Desk
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The Hubble Space Telescope is a NASA space observatory that orbits Earth and studies astronomical objects using ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared light. Because it operates above Earth’s atmosphere, it can capture wavelengths the atmosphere blocks and avoid much of the blurring that affects ground-based observations.
What is the Hubble Space Telescope?
Hubble is an astronomical observatory in low Earth orbit, not a telescope on the ground. NASA describes it as the first observatory placed in orbit around Earth able to record images across wavelengths from ultraviolet to near-infrared. It is named after astronomer Edwin Hubble; it is a separate observatory from the James Webb Space Telescope.
NASA launched Hubble aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on April 24, 1990. The observatory remains an active NASA mission.
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Earth’s atmosphere can blur incoming light and absorb or filter some wavelengths. From above most of the atmosphere, Hubble can observe a clearer view of astronomical targets and access ultraviolet light that is difficult or impossible to observe from the ground. Its advantage comes from its position above Earth’s atmosphere, not from being close to the distant objects it studies.
#1 Best Overall
- HOBBY MODEL KIT – Unassembled model packed in an envelope with easy to follow instructions. Ideal for ages 14 and up.
- NO GLUE OR SOLDER NEEDED – Parts can be easily clipped from the metal sheets. Tweezers are the recommended tool for bending and twisting the connection tabs.
- HUBBLE TELESCOPE – 1 Sheet Model with a moderate difficulty level. Assembled Size: 3.00 x 2.00 x 2.50 inches.
- FROM STEEL SHEETS TO 3D – Pop out the pieces and connect using tabs and holes. Includes illustrated instructions.
- HIGHLY DETAILED ETCHED MODEL – Display your 3D model once completed - collect and build them all.
What does Hubble observe?
Hubble observes ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared light—not every part of the infrared spectrum. NASA gives its sensitivity range as 115–2500 nanometers. The observatory’s instruments support different kinds of observations: the Advanced Camera for Surveys is optimized for imaging surveys, while the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph focuses on ultraviolet light.
How does the Hubble Space Telescope work?
- Collects light: Hubble’s 2.4-meter (7.8-foot) primary mirror gathers light from an astronomical target.
- Directs light to instruments: The telescope’s optical system sends the collected light to scientific instruments.
- Records or analyzes it: Cameras capture images. Spectrographs separate light into component wavelengths, allowing scientists to study properties of the source.
- Sends observations to Earth: Hubble transmits its observations through communications links so they can be processed and used for scientific research.
Where is Hubble, and how does it move?
Hubble orbits Earth at about 300 miles (483 km) above the surface and completes an orbit in approximately 95 minutes, according to NASA. The altitude is approximate and can vary over time; it should not be treated as a fixed, precise current measurement.
Rank #2
- HOBBY MODEL KIT – Unassembled model packed in an envelope with easy to follow instructions. Ideal for ages 14 and up.
- NO GLUE OR SOLDER NEEDED – Parts can be easily clipped from the metal sheets. Tweezers are the recommended tool for bending and twisting the connection tabs.
- JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE - 2.75 Sheet Model with a moderate difficulty level. Assembled Size: 4.13 L x 2.75 W x 2.75 H inches. 1:221 Scale. 62 Pieces
- FROM STEEL SHEETS TO 3D – Pop out the pieces and connect using tabs and holes. Includes illustrated instructions.
- HIGHLY DETAILED ETCHED MODEL – Display your 3D model once completed - collect and build them all.
These details and the instrument descriptions are given in NASA’s Hubble overview, Hubble mission page, Hubble Observatory page, and Hubble FAQ.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- Set Includes 4 Kits: Hubble Telescope - Apollo Lunar Rover
- Assembly required - Simply pop out the pieces and connect tabs and holes
- Ages 14+ - Moderate
- Hubble Telescope = 3" x 2" x 2.5" when assembled - Easy Difficulty Level
- Apollo Lunar Rover = 3.55" x 1.77" x 2.28" when assembled - Moderate Difficulty Level
Rank #3
- Sprue Brothers Hasegawa 1:200 Hubble Space Telescope 'The Repair 20th Anniversary', HAS52326
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